Trucks & Trailers - driveline vibration??

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I have a 2005 diesel dodge ram 2500 quad cab long bed. It has developed a vibration that is very noticable from 30-45 mph. if I let off the throttle and coast at that speed the vibration goes away. The vibration goes away at 55-60 then returns at above 65. I suspected(and still do) a universal joint or carrier bearing. My mechanic says they are all good. I agree, to look at them and grab them they all seem tight. Any ideas? also, how can you tell if the carrier bearing is bad. The metal bearing part seems ok but the rubber part that the bearing sits in seems like it is sagging and you can move the rubber part pretty easy. the truck has 130,000 miles and the universal joint at the rear differential was replaced last year.

fishinmaniac

03-24-2012, 03:42 PM

I'd put my money on the carrier bearing, pretty common for them to go bad and give you a vibration.

JimPend

03-24-2012, 04:07 PM

Also check your tie rod arms on the steering and tire balance.

kchace

03-25-2012, 06:22 AM

The speed of the vibration will tell you if its in the driveshaft or the wheels. Driveshaft vibration is much faster than anything related to wheels/tires.

Its unusual for a wheel/tire vibration to show up at 35 and shouldn't immediately go away if you let of the gas. Without feeling it myself, it sounds more like something in the driveshaft. At 130K the carrier bearing certainly could be worn. If you can raise and lower the driveshaft within the carrier no matter what part of it is allowing that movement, it is not right.

Ken

bridgeman

03-25-2012, 07:32 AM

Had a simular issue with my ford and found out the driveshaft was slightly bent, did it a few years ago when we had a significant snowfall and was driving over a wind row of plowed snow that was frozen

renner

03-25-2012, 09:58 AM

Sounds like the carrier bearing, i have a longbed crewcab chevy and it did the same thing. I replaced the carrier and while it was out changed all the joints and greased the slip yoke. All is good now.

bamaboy473

03-25-2012, 10:08 AM

Like kchace said, the vibration from driveshafts is more resonance; almost like when a baby sputters with it's lips. It's a higher pitch, too.

Mine was from 45-55 and I was told it was balancing; especially when it could be felt through the steering wheel and drivers seat. It subsided a lot when letting off the gas, though. The other mechanic knew it was something else and they found one bolt missing and three loose on one u-joint. It could have ended poorly.

Two U-joints and a new carrier bearing later, the truck runs smoothly again.

sammi

03-25-2012, 06:45 PM

Thanks guys. I found the problem. It is a bad u joint right behind the carrier bearing. Why I had to find it after 3 times to my mechanic I dont know but that is what it is. I can see the rust dust and it moves inside the bearing cap. I think i will have them replace the carrier bearing while its in there.

bamaboy473

03-25-2012, 06:50 PM

While they're doing the u-joints, check the rear seal on the diff for leakage. If you replace that and re-new the gear oil, it's a good time to do it since the driveshaft is already off. At 160K miles, it made sense to me, anyway.

cranebug

03-25-2012, 08:39 PM

mine came out of the blue when I stepped on it to pass a dump truck (on my 2004) was also the ujoint, but the "tech" also said my drive shaft was bent ($$$$) from original) except all was under warranty at the time so I had them replace both. No problems since

westhunt@airspd.net

03-25-2012, 09:55 PM

I have a 2005 diesel dodge ram 2500 quad cab long bed. It has developed a vibration that is very noticable from 30-45 mph. if I let off the throttle and coast at that speed the vibration goes away. The vibration goes away at 55-60 then returns at above 65. I suspected(and still do) a universal joint or carrier bearing. My mechanic says they are all good. I agree, to look at them and grab them they all seem tight. Any ideas? also, how can you tell if the carrier bearing is bad. The metal bearing part seems ok but the rubber part that the bearing sits in seems like it is sagging and you can move the rubber part pretty easy. the truck has 130,000 miles and the universal joint at the rear differential was replaced last year.

I've had drive line vibration like yours, and checked the U-Joints -- all were tight. So I had one removed, and it was junk! Look for traces of rust around the edges of the cups. And the carrier bearing is a likely culprit also...

DoubleO7

03-27-2012, 12:59 PM

I always thought carrier bearings were the ones supoorting the ring gear carrier and surround the inner ends of the axle shafts.
The pinion bearing is the one behind the rear driveshaft u-joint. And if any of that looks suspicious you should at least replace the seal if not the bearing.
Sounds like the u-joint lost its grease and then ground up some of the needle bearings.